power cut

USAGE SUMMARY

"power cut" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe the sudden failure of the electricity supply. For example, "We've been experiencing a power cut all morning, so my computer isn't working."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another power cut.

The Economist

A power cut?

The Guardian

pic.twitter.com/jrxBqgVlWm Power cut in Soho! pic.twitter.com/RACQdm1GRW Power cut in Chinatown pic.twitter.com/VwLCqme5bf Lol, big power cut in soho.

Independent

Fingers crossed for a power cut.

The Guardian - Business

Here are some of the photos from the power cut: Current power cut in Central London.

Independent

The small stores were dark, due to the power cut.

The New Yorker

I thought there had been a power cut.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fish nearly died in a power cut.

The New York Times - Arts

Some thought it might be a mere power cut.

The Economist

A power cut, frequent enough and no cause for alarm.

The Guardian

Pat Phillips, Adelaide, South Australia A power cut.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "power cut", specify the affected area or scope if known (e.g., "a local power cut", "a widespread power cut").

Common error

Avoid using "power cut" interchangeably with terms like "brownout" or "surge". A "power cut" is a complete interruption, whereas a brownout is a reduction in voltage, and a surge is a sudden increase in voltage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power cut" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific event: an interruption in the supply of electricity. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it's often used as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "power cut" is a common noun phrase that describes an interruption in the supply of electricity. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. Its function is to report or describe an event, with a neutral register suitable for various audiences. Related phrases include "power outage", "electricity failure" and "blackout". When using "power cut", specify the scope if known. Be careful not to confuse it with terms like "brownout" or "surge". As the numerous Ludwig examples show, this phrase is frequently encountered in discussions about disruptions to daily life and infrastructure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Power outage

A more formal synonym for "power cut", often used in official reports and technical contexts.

Electricity failure

Focuses on the failure of the electrical system rather than the interruption itself.

Blackout

Implies a widespread and often complete loss of power.

Loss of power

A general term indicating that the power supply has ceased.

Interruption of power

Highlights the temporary nature of the power loss.

Grid failure

Specifically refers to a failure in the electrical grid system.

Electrical fault

Suggests a technical problem causing the power disruption.

Service disruption

A broader term that can apply to various services, including electricity.

Supply interruption

Emphasizes the interruption of the electricity supply.

Energy crisis

Indicates a more severe and prolonged shortage of power.

FAQs

What does "power cut" mean?

A "power cut" refers to an interruption in the supply of electricity. It can be caused by various factors, including equipment failure, weather events, or maintenance work.

What can I say instead of "power cut"?

You can use alternatives like "power outage", "electricity failure", or "blackout" depending on the context.

What causes a power cut?

Power cuts can be caused by various factors such as damage to power lines, equipment failure at substations, severe weather conditions, or even scheduled maintenance.

How long does a power cut typically last?

The duration of a "power cut" can vary significantly. It could last from a few minutes to several hours or even days, depending on the severity of the problem and the speed of the repair efforts.